Planting tomatoes in a cold frame

[MaryLou]

I have a cold frame that I am growing lettuce & onions in.

I have tomato seeds for 2007. When is the earliest that I can plant these seeds in the cold frame? I don't plan on transplanting them. When it gets warm I'll just pick up the cold frame... :roll:

[Eden's Garden]

The soil temp needs to be monitored or you'll lose em. Generally, the night temps are what zap them, so let those stay in the lower to mid 60's I'd say before you chance it. You chance flowers dropping otherwise. Some of the old farmers really know how to push things, but I generally let the air and soil warm up before I bother. If the plant is more mature, it stands a better chance at a nip in the air. Also, spray with your compost tea/liquid seaweed. It is supposed to act as a type of "antifreeze" helping to protect against temp swings.

Plant some staggered crops just in case - have some seedlings ready to put out.

[MaryLou]

I chickened out on the coldframe tomatoes and planted seed in a little greenhouse in my sunny window. They are up. Now to plant them in their final home when they get big enough. I'll keep track of the temperature and look for 60 degrees. Thanks for the tip.